When members of the Class of 1968 got together in fall 2023 for their 55th reunion, there were many memories to share and reasons to celebrate. For one, their 1968 School of Medicine Class Scholarship fund, to which 26 class members have contributed as of November 2023, has a value of approximately $1.8 million. More than 90% of the total has been funded by planned gifts, underscoring the power of this meaningful form of philanthropy.
The class fund was first established by a bequest from the estate of Elise Moss Neeld, BA’63, MD’68, who passed away in 2007. Over the years, the fund saw steady growth thanks to several other classmates’ contributions, including a significant planned gift documented by Sara “Sally” Zieverink Monroe, MD’68, who passed away in 2022.
Soja Park, MD’68, is helping spearhead fundraising for the scholarship and noted the significance behind both of these pivotal gifts having come from women. “Our class had more women than usual for the time; in fact, we were once referred to as ‘the class with too many girls!’” she said. “We were very glad to be there, and I have so many wonderful memories of Vanderbilt.”
Many of her classmates echo the lasting spirit of camaraderie. Bob Sewell, MD’68, notes that the class has always been close. “Some of my best friends are from that class,” he says. “Our spouses have become close, too. For our 50th reunion, we had classmates flying in from across the country and the world — from everywhere, from Washington state to Southern India. We are all bonded and want to be together.”
Classmate Allen Schlamp, MD’68, resides in the Nashville area and has stayed in touch with many of his Vanderbilt professors, mentors and peers over the years, including classmates at the recent reunion. “Considering the time that’s lapsed, and the attrition that comes with time, we had a very good turnout,” said Schlamp.
Ultimately, the Class of 1968 School of Medicine Class Scholarship fund is an inspiring example of the great things that can happen when a class comes together to pool their generosity and engagement.
They hope to reach their goal of boosting the fund’s value to an endowment of $2 million, which would currently cover not only tuition, but also the full cost of attendance — including expenses for the cost of living in Nashville — for one promising future physician in each class.
Park points out that scholarships seem particularly important today with the cost of medical education presenting a financial burden for many. “So much has changed since we first arrived at Vandy in 1964. Finances were not as much of an issue then, and I feel very indebted and fortunate to have gotten a great education without having to pay the potentially burdensome amounts students are expected to pay today. Providing these scholarship opportunities is important.”
She is grateful to all of her classmates who were so enthusiastic about having “their own” 1968 scholarship, and who responded to her calls. “It was so special to be in touch.” – by Lucie Alig